What God did

Yesterday, we saw how Mike wrestled with giving some of his income to orphans.

Mike started sending money the orphanage every month and the raise at work didn’t come immediately. He’d kind of been expecting that or maybe a gift from a generous uncle.

Instead, he had to drive a little less because he didn’t always have enough money for gas. He started walking to work and that’s when he met Serena. She was walking to the shop where she worked, close to his job, and, after a few weeks of walking together, he invited her to his youth group.

Two months later, she responded to an invitation to follow Jesus.

When Jenny sent out a new e-mail trying to get ideas for Christmas gifts for the orphans, Mike got a bright idea. He sold his iPod – surprisingly, it sold fast and for top dollar – and financed a special party with treats and gifts for all the orphans.

The photos Jenny sent ended up on his screensaver so he could watch the delighted kids whenever he used his computer. A crayon-colored thank-you letter from one of the little girls at the orphanage was stuck up on his wall beside his desk. He really liked the part where she said God had been good to her.

After a year, Mike still didn’t have his new Xbox. But, oddly, he didn’t care so much.

“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” (2 Cor 9:13)